Anglican minister rowing to raise funds for North River church

Rev. William Strong is set to row in a small boat this Saturday to raise funds for St. George's Church in North River.

NORTH RIVER, NL — Rev. William Strong is taking a unique approach to raising funds for a local church.

The Anglican Archdeacon for the Trinity-Conception-Placentia region will step into his small flat-bottomed rowboat Saturday morning in North River and row all the way to Port de Grave harbour. He's doing so to raise funds for St. George's Church in North River.

The church, which is just over 100 years old, has a small congregation and, according to the reverend, is in need of some repairs. After another fundraising idea fell through, Strong came up with this one. He's been rowing in that area since he was a young boy and feels confident in completing the journey in a few hours. For Saturday, Strong will use a boat he affectionately refers to as The Chattie.

Strong is scheduled to depart Saturday at 9:30 a.m. with a spotter boat accompanying him on the journey, which he estimates to be approximately five miles. If weather does not cooperate, he'll look to row Oct. 9 or Oct. 10.

Those interested in pledging support can sign a pledge sheet or contact Strong at 683-1278 or wstrong1450@gmail.com.